So I started a Rugby Enthusiast Scholarship at University of Houston-Downtown. It’s a scholarship for rugby player and fans.
Some of you may say: “But Billy, UHD doesn’t have a rugby team!” This is true, but maybe there are some older guys and gals that play club rugby, or used to play, or maybe are just fans of rugby who want to go back and finish a bachelor’s degree or go for a masters. This is for them.
If no one donates anything, it will be fully funded by yours truly in about 7 years time. But you can help get this thing going sooner by contributing to the cause https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/UHDRugby
The Internet Archives is asking people to post the oldest books they own as part of their #OwnBooks campaign to show why it’s important that people are actually allowed to own the works they purchases, as opposed to just renting or leasing content.
This is not the oldest book that I own, but it is one that has been in my possession the longest.
Cover of Our Universe
The National Geographic Picture Atlas of Our Universe was an awesome tour of the solar system and universe told in pictures. This edition, the original published in 1980, is now woefully out-of-date. It’s survived floods, hurricanes, and – perhaps the most destructive force of all – children.
Page 42 & 43 of Our UniversePage 46 & 47 from Our UniversePage 58 & 59 from Our UniversePage 92 & 93 of Our Universe
The original owner of this book was the Houston Independent School District. Specifically, the library at Barrick Elementary. I’m not sure how many times I checked out this book – it was a lot. My favorite part was – and still is – the “What if …” there’s life on other planets, what might it look like. Deep down, I knew life on these other planets might not look like this, but when you’re a kid it’s fun to dream and imagine.
My dad repaired the binding with packing tape. Not the best conservation-wise, but it’s held for 30-something years.
I’m not sure how this book ever survived my childhood. At one point, my dad used box tape to fix the broken spine. Not the best practice, from an archival standpoint, but it’s held surprisingly well all these years.
I pretty much wore out this book to the point where it needed to be discarded and replaced. Our librarian, Ms. Bowman, decided to just give me the book. Thank you Ms. Bowman, wherever you are.
Man. It’s been a while since I’ve been here. I intended this website to be a professional sight, but I don’t think that ever quite worked out.
I’m kinda burned out on social media like Facebook and Twitter. And I’m at that age where I haven’t got the patience for the new social like Tick-Tock and Instagram.
But there are still things I want to share with others. So here we are again. Less professional … more semi-professional?
